Name: Sophie Douglas
Company: Fusion
Position within company: Partner
Website: www.fusiondna.co.uk

. Tell us a little about Fusion’s background in design

Fusion was set up 16 years ago by interior Designer Sophie Douglas and Architect Roger Gascoigne. Sophie studied interior design at Chelsea School of Art and Fusion have specialised in projects within the leisure and speciality retail sectors since day 1.

. How would you describe your personal design style?

Keen not to be identified with a particular style, Fusion feel strongly that the style of a project must be driven by the client, the customer, the building and the locality rather than any individuals ego or taste.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

Sophie Douglas and Jillian McLean (the client from Drake and Morgan) regularly travel throughout the world on “innovation and inspiration” tours, having visited East and West Coast USA, the Middle east, the Far East, Japan and Australia, the next trip is currently being planned, but South America is looking very exciting!

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Rather than following any general design direction, customisation is such a key word at the moment, again, looking carefully at the end user to ensure that their expectations and aspirations are addressed as appropriately as possible.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

Sustainability, luxury, flexibility, escapism, customisation

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

Keep your eyes open all of the time, there are amazing details wherever you look

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

These awards, that are so sector specific are a great recognition of such a fast growing area, there have always been general property and retail awards, but it is great to put the exciting work that is happening in this hospitality sector in the spotlight

. What projects are you currently working on?

We currently have new concepts underway for Drake and Morgan as well as exciting projects for Everyman Cinemas and our other clients within the bar and dining sectors.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To keep producing great schemes for great clients.